Staying In Good Health
Regular check-ups with a family physician and obstetrician are important. Maternal health throughout pregnancy has a significant impact on unborn children. Mothers should be immunized against German measles and get an influenza shot. Research at the MIND Institute found that viral infections can interfere with the babys brain cells and alter neural connections. Taking all precautions to avoid gestational diabetes can help lower the risk for autism. If possible, pregnant women should avoid prescriptions, especially antidepressants, with medical supervision. Having a dentist remove mercury-based amalgam fillings before conception could be beneficial. Babies neurological function is naturally enhanced by passing through the birth canal, so avoiding unnecessary Cesarean sections can help.
Autism is a complex disorder without a single known cause or trigger. Scientists agree that genetics is responsible for up to 90 percent of the autism risk. Whether a child develops ASD is usually out of the parents control. However, a study in the Molecular Psychiatry journal found that autism rates are 15 percent higher in children born to mothers in their 40s and 66 percent higher for fathers over 50. Births spaced two to five years apart are typically healthiest. Good pregnancy planning and the above health-conscious steps can effectively help expecting women prevent autism.
Brard: Study Should Empower Women
The new findings could affect the 14 percent of pregnant women who take antidepressants in the U.S. suffering with depression.
Bérard is quick to say women already taking the medication should not simply stop taking it. Her goal is to inform women who could become pregnant and help them start a dialogue with their doctors about other non-pharmaceutical options for treating depression while pregnant.
I dont want to scare women this is not the goal of the study or make them feel guilty in any way, shape or form, but I want to empower them, she told Huffington Post. I hope that these types of studies actually empower women. More information is always a good thing.
Most antidepressants cannot be stopped immediately. Patients have to be weaned off slowly or risk severe withdrawal symptoms.
Autism Linked To Chemical Exposure During Pregnancy
by Case Adams, PhD·
Chemical exposure from mothers during pregnancy leads to increased risk of autism according to scientists.
Autism is being increasingly linked to exposure to chemicals during pregnancy according to a number of studies. Exposure to environmental toxins during the time a baby is in the womb comes from a mothers exposure to these chemicals.
This essentially subjects the baby to these chemicals during a sensitive time in the development of brain and nerve function in the baby.
While the mothers exposures may have occurred for years, the difference is that the baby is still developing during its exposure.
In this article
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What Are The Characteristics
Often sufferers will have physical or sensory repetitive behaviours, difficulty making eye contact and talking to people or touching them, and difficulty picking up on other peoples feelings and cues. They may have anintellectual impairment or learning difficulties, although at times they can also be incredibly intelligent and gifted.
They may be unable to cope with noises like hair dryers or vacuum cleaners, unable to walk on certain surfaces, or uncomfortable with enclosed spaces.
Some children on the high functioning end of the spectrum can be schooled at regular schools with limited assistance , or those on the more severe or low functioning end may go to autistic specialist schools, where classes might be five students to one or two teachers.
An estimated 1 in 100 people has ASD.
Is There A Remedy
Now that the association between fever and autism is established the studies also find out that the consumption of medicines like in the form of acetaminophen can lower the risk by a considerable amount. Though it is difficult to say, as of now, that whether the active effect of the medicine has any direct effect or the impact on the result but it is being observed that fewer women has given birth to an autistic child, once they are under medication.
The subject itself is very sensitive. In case your childs brain is affected, there is no way to reverse it.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen and the most effective medicines you can take, whilst suffering from fever during pregnancy. The intake of medicines normally would stop your bodys automatic inflammatory response against the bacteria. That essentially means that the medicines should be allowed to fight off the bacteria and not the bodys natural immunity. The medicines do not impact the uterus in the way the natural chemicals affect. For that reason, medication is the preferred option of treating any sort of common cold or flu.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Autism In Babies And Toddlers
If autism is caught in infancy, treatment can take full advantage of the young brains remarkable plasticity. Although autism is hard to diagnose before 24 months, symptoms often surface between 12 and 18 months. If signs are detected by 18 months of age, intensive treatment may help to rewire the brain and reverse the symptoms.
The earliest signs of autism involve the absence of typical behaviorsnot the presence of atypical onesso they can be tough to spot. In some cases, the earliest symptoms of autism are even misinterpreted as signs of a good baby, since the infant may seem quiet, independent, and undemanding. However, you can catch warning signs early if you know what to look for.
Some autistic infants dont respond to cuddling, reach out to be picked up, or look at their mothers when being fed.
What’s In The Medicine Cabinet
Many medications, over the counter and prescription, are usually a no-no for expecting mothers. The medicines can cause a variety of problems for the fetus. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs in a certain class have been proven to cause a higher risk of the baby developing autism while in the womb. The specific class of drugs are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . This includes medicines that are very popular like Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Effexor. The study on this was relatively small, and more studies are needed. Some doctors believe that the benefit of the drugs to the mom outweigh the risk to the developing fetus. Other doctors don’t feel that way, and will recommend the mother to stop taking any medicines that could potentially harm the fetus.
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Fetuses Of Momm3m4 Have Increased Neuronal Loss Lack Of Astrocyte And Microglia Maturation Compared To Fetuses From Momwt
RNA sequencing of the fetal brain showed that 10/91 differentially expressed genes were those involved in Ca2+ or cation channel function indicating potential neuronal pathology in Fetusm3m4 from Momm3m4 . Ingenuity pathway analysis of MomWTFetusm3m4 vs. Momm3m4Fetusm3m4 fetal brain differential transcriptomes revealed cell death and survival, neuron development and apoptosis and seizures as the topmost Disease and Function pathologies . Reduced immunohistochemistry staining for NeuN showed a significant decrease in mature neurons in the brain of Momm3m4Fetusm3m4 compared to MomWTFetusm3m4 . In addition, significantly reduced Doublecortin staining in Momm3m4Fetusm3m4 compared to MomWTFetusm3m4 suggested loss of neurons in pups undergoing gestation in Momm3m4 consistent with our RNA-Seq findings . In correlation, serotonin staining was significantly decreased in Momm3m4Fetusm3m4 compared to MomWTFetusm3m4 .
Fig. 4: Increased neuronal loss and lack of glial cell maturation in Fetusm3m4 undergoing gestation in Momm3m4 compared to those in MomWT.Fig. 5: Schematic summarizing the effect of maternal genetics on fetal neurodevelopmental processes.
The impact of maternal genotype on in-utero gene transcription in the offspring is evident in fetal neuropathology and postnatal ASD-like behavior.
Valproic Acid During Pregnancy
Seizures are electrical storms within the brain, and they’re life-threatening for pregnant women and the babies they carry. Valproic acid is an anti-seizure medication, and it could be part of a woman’s treatment plan. However, this drug could cause an increase in autism risks.
In a large study conducted in 2015, researchers found risks of autism were significantly increased when women took valproic acid during pregnancy. These results have been replicated in studies performed with animals.
For now, it’s best for women with seizure disorders to work with their doctors on treatment plans before they get pregnant. Another solution could help them reduce their risk of episodes while protecting their child’s developing brain.
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When Can You Detect Autism
Recent studies outlines that 1 out of 68 children have now been diagnosed with ASD. While this diagnosis is increasing, children aren`t normally diagnosed by a specialist until over the age of 2. Still, there are certain signs which may show your child may experience autism as early as 6 months old.
Even Natural Can Be Dangerous
Due to many medications being unsafe for a fetus and the expecting mother, many turn to natural remedies. The homeopathic approach is widely know and many people turn to it because many medications are just so bad for us. Some side effects of known medicines can cause a variety of issues, especially for a fetus, including death. When trying out natural medicine it best to do some research when pregnant. There have been links to certain natural medicines making the risk for autism much higher in an unborn child. Many women take certain vitamins or herbs during pregnancy to help boost their immune systems and keep them from getting ill. Women with too much of certain vitamins, are 17.2 times more likely to have their child diagnosed with autism
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Can Fever During Pregnancy Lead To Autism
Recent studies show that fever during pregnancy triggers the risk of autism in your child. A fever, especially during the second trimester, increases the risk of giving birth to an autistic child, even further. In case of repetitive fever, after 12 weeks of conceiving, the chances are more that your childs brain will get affected. Women, who are suffering repeatedly from fever, during their pregnancies, are 40 percent more likely to give birth to a child with autism, studies show.
There Currently Arent Screening Tests In Either Pregnant Women Or Through Ivf That Can Test For Autism At This Time
Autism cant be diagnosed in the womb or embryos yet because experts dont know exactly what causes it. It is a genetic condition, but there are many different combinations of genes that may result in a diagnosis of ASD.
Environmental factors may also play a part. It is not something specific that shows up in the mothers blood or the foetus cells, it is usually only characterised by early behaviour.
Experts and opponents consider that it will only be a matter of time, however.
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Momsm3m4 Lack Induction Of An Il
To define what constitutes a predisposing maternal genotype, we first interrogated the currently most well-recognized parental factor associated with ASD-like behavior, i.e., the maternal inflammatory state. Our recent studies show that naïve, nonparous PtenWT/m3m4 mice do not have ongoing inflammation or autoimmunity but are predisposed to higher immune reactivity only upon stimulation. To analyze the immunological status of PtenWT/m3m4 mice in a state of pregnancy, cytokine expression/levels were tested in the spleen of pregnant females at E17.5 by qRT-PCR. No differences in proinflammatory cytokine transcript expression were observed between Momm3m4 and MomWT indicating a lack of ongoing inflammation . In addition, testing for IL-17a showed no transcripts in the spleen from either genotype. Multiplex serum ELISA for G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN, IL-1, IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, LIF, IL-15, IL-17, KC, MCP-1, M-CSF, MIP-2, TNF-, also showed no differences between Momm3m4 and MomWT, except in IL-10 levels .
Fig. 2: Momsm3m4 lack induction of an IL-10 mediated immunosuppressive state during pregnancy that correlates with decreased expression of complement in the fetus.
Psychosocial Factors Associated With Pgt For Detecting Asd Susceptibility Genes And Abortion Decision
As shown in , the mothers in our sample reported high perceived severity of ASD, positive perceived benefits of PGT for detecting ASD susceptibility genes in general and for the purpose of family planning, strong subjective norms , high self-confidence in undergoing PGT, and favorable attitudes toward PGT for detecting ASD susceptibility genes within their fetuses. Moreover, 66.6% of the mothers stated that they were either likely or very likely to undergo PGT, and 53.1% would terminate the pregnancy if ASD susceptibility genes were found within the fetuses.
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Signs Of Speech And Language Difficulties
- Speaks in an atypical tone of voice, or with an odd rhythm or pitch .
- Repeats the same words or phrases over and over, often without communicative intent.
- Responds to a question by repeating it, rather than answering it.
- Uses language incorrectly or refers to him or herself in the third person.
- Has difficulty communicating needs or desires.
- Doesnt understand simple directions, statements, or questions.
- Takes what is said too literally .
Children with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking late.
Who Is At Risk
Autism tends to occur more frequently than expected among individuals who have certain medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, congenital rubella syndrome, and untreated phenylketonuria . It is four times more common in boys than girls but is found equally in all other populations.
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Neurotoxic Umbilical Cord Blood
This confirms findings that the umbilical cord blood of many mothers is tainted by large doses of neurotoxins.
More than a decade ago, the Environmental Working Group published two studies that found toxins in umbilical cord blood of newborn babies born in the U.S. After screening more than 400 chemicals, 287 toxins were found within the umbilical cord blood of newborns and their mothers. Of these 287 toxic chemicals, 217 were found to be neurotoxins, and 208 have been found to damage growth development or cause birth defects.
This links toxins in the womb to autism. These studies from the Environmental Working Groups Human Toxome Project found in umbilical cords industrial compounds and pollutants such as alkylphenols, inorganic arsenic, organophosphates, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls , volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, chlorinated dioxins and furans.
The EWC also confirmed that most of us are harboring dangerous toxins. In another study of nine adult participants, blood and urine contained 171 of the 214 toxic chemicals screened. These also included the chemicals mentioned above.
Toxic exposure is also consistent with the growing emergence of autism, as autisms almost-epidemic rise parallels our increased exposure to synthetic toxins in our environment. While autism did exist minimally before the industrial revolution, this can be explained by the use or handling of other pre-industrial-age toxins, such as mercury and lead.
What Are The Signs Of Autism In Babies
Autism doesnt change a babys physical appearance. The condition does affect how babies communicate and how they relate to the world around them.
Autism is described as a spectrum condition because signs, symptoms, and abilities can vary widely. If you notice any of these developmental differences, its important to talk with your childs doctor or healthcare professional about them.
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Autism ‘begins Long Before Birth’
Scientists say they have new evidence that autism begins in the womb.
Patchy changes in the developing brain long before birth may cause symptoms of autism spectrum disorder , research suggests.
The study, in the New England Journal of Medicine, raises hopes that better understanding of the brain may improve the lives of children with autism.
It reinforces the need for early identification and treatment, says a University of California team.
US scientists analysed post-mortem brain tissue of 22 children with and without autism, all between two and 15 years of age.
They used genetic markers to look at how the outermost part of the brain, the cortex, wired up and formed layers.
Abnormalities were found in 90% of the children with autism compared with only about 10% of children without.
The changes were dotted about in brain regions involved in social and emotional communication, and language, long before birth, they say.
The researchers, from the University of California, San Diego and the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, say their patchy nature may explain why some toddlers with autism show signs of improvement if treated early enough.
They think the plastic infant brain may have a chance of rewiring itself to compensate.
“The finding that these defects occur in patches rather than across the entirety of cortex gives hope as well as insight about the nature of autism,” said Prof Eric Courchesne, a neuroscientist at the University of California San Diego.
Can Autism Be Caused By Meth Or Second
No. There is no link between methamphetamine use or methamphetamine smoke and ASD.However, babies exposed to meth in the womb are nearly three times more likely to have cognitive problems . Also, children exposed to meth smoke are usually in dangerous living situations including witnessing or experiencing physical abuse. .
Consequences of Exposure to Meth in the Womb and During Childhood
| Noticed At Birth |
| Deficits in attention, memory and motivation Anxious/depressed symptoms Aggression |
Reading this may be difficult if youve used meth or been around meth smoke while pregnant, but you still have a choice to get help now. Its not too late! You and your baby deserve peace and happiness.
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What Doesnt Cause Autism
Bad parenting
There was a bleak period in history from the 1950s to 1970s when autism was believed to be a psychological disorder, and blamed on cold, uncaring parents, usually the mothers.
Fortunately, the myth of the ârefrigerator motherâ has been debunked by science, and autism is now recognised as a disorder of brain development with genetic links. Nothing you said or did as a parent caused your child to develop autism, so please donât listen to anyone who suggests otherwise.
Vaccines
Scores of scientific studies have effectively ruled out vaccines as a cause of autism. Concerns originally arose around two issues of Mercury and the MMR Vaccine
In 2014, a meta-analysis, combining the result of 10 studies and over 1.2 million children, found no link between vaccines and autism. The World Health Organization, the European Medicines Agency, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading international health groups have also concluded thereâs no link. Unfortunately, the belief persists among anti-vaccination campaigners, who are very vocal on the Internet. If you remain concerned about vaccines, arrange a time to talk your paediatrician or GP. Remember, Vaccines Save Lives!